STALWART Rick Plant will make it a round dozen after signing a new Guildford Flames deal.

The club’s record appearance maker is now preparing for his 12th season having originally joined the Spectrum outfit way back in 1997-98.

Player-coach Paul Dixon described 32-year-old Plant as a rare gem.

“After a player has signed on for a 12th season, you start to wonder if there is anything you can say that has not been said before,” he commented.

“Probably not, is the answer. This type of year-after-year renewal of confidence in a player is very rare in any sport environment and in that sense is a real testament to the type of player and character that we have in Rick.”

In what could be described as his seedling season, Plant helped Flames to their first treble as the club won the Southern Conference, British National League and play-off titles.

And 12 years on, the fully blossomed Plant played a star role as Flames won the Premier Cup last term, scoring 26 goals and adding 29 assists, also becoming the first clubman to pass the 600-game barrier.

Plant’s 566 points career total puts him third on the all-time list and top among British-born players.

“He is one of the headiest players on the ice,” Dixon went on.

“He can play defensively, he has collected championships and he has remained healthy enough to have career offensive numbers that one might naturally assume belong to a much older player.

“Over the years he has been asked to play in many roles and has always responded with a great attitude and a team-first perspective.”

Dixon added: “There is almost nothing Rick hasn’t accomplished with this team and we’re pleased to bring his extensive ability and experience back to our run at the silverware next season.”

In addition to his one-year stint at Telford Tigers, Plant’s career includes a season with the league champions Swindon Ice Lords in 1996-97 – ahead of his move to Guildford – having previously turned out for the Milton Keynes Kings.